§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will seek to make financial assistance under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 available to projects outside the development areas.
§ Mr. John SmithThis assistance, which is administered by the national tourist boards, has always in the past been available only to projects in the development areas and special development areas. I have reviewed this arrangement with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, and we have agreed to extend the scheme to intermediate areas as well. This means that projects throughout the assisted areas will be eligible to be considered by the tourist boards for financial assistance. The eligible areas will be reviewed in two to three years' time.